Category Archives: I like to eats

A former addict of their pain au chocolat, I was sad to see Sweet Thang bakery bid adieu to my ‘hood. While it always looked like Valentine’s Day on overdrive in the Wicker Park location, they’ve ditched the worn red velvet love seats and petite Parisian cafe tables for spacious booths, black and white photograpy and wooden tables in their three-week-old Roscoe Village digs. The original sign and Moulin Rouge light fixtures help, but sadly, the place just doesn’t feel the same. But one good thang is that oodles more bakery case-space means more room for cakes, croissants, cupcakes, tarts and more. 2142 W. Roscoe, 312.935.4166

My head is cloudy with a summer cold (fun!) so I haven’t really been blogging, but I have been eating a helluvalotta oatmeal! I definitely approve of the new Perfect Oatmeal at Starbucks, and I indulged in it twice this weekend. I semi-expected an overly sweet, lumpy mess, but the consistency and flavor is right on, and you don’t need to add milk with individually wrapped toppings like nuts, dried fruit and brown sugar. It’s around $3, but it’s also not the largest portion. Perhaps various sizes are in order? Either way, I suggest two if you’re hungry.

It’s cold out. OK, it’s in the ’60s, but it feels cold today (or maybe I just feel a cold coming on?). Anyway, I was overjoyed to hear from a friend that Starbucks has officially introduced its oatmeal and it actually rivals Milk & Honey Café’s. Thems fighting words! I will check it out (along with some of my other favorite oatmeal around town) and report back.

Oy. Let me start by apologizing for a bit of overzealousness on my Milwaukee blogging expectations. Being a holiday weekend, and a Harley-filled one at that, many places I wanted to check out were closed (At Random) or filled to the brim with bikers from all over the world. Plus, my parents totally failed on their annual home-pickling endeavors. But luckily one of my favorite markets around town was open and I had a chance to check it out. Once inside, I was surprised and saddened to encounter probably the worst red velvet cupcake in history of elizabites. The colored sprinkles and paper American flag ensconced via toothpick should’ve tipped me off, but it’s the Milwaukee Public Market! And everything else there rocks, so why wouldn’t the cupcakes? Their version was just really dark red, bland, dry and I had to try the frosting a few times to detect if it was cream cheese or vanilla. Maybe I should’ve given the Harley (or Halloween?)-inspired orange and black “Harley-O’s” a chance instead. Anyway, don’t let the bad bakery dissuade you from visiting this place if you ever do make a trip to MKE. They have the requisite Wisconsin cheese curds, sausages and other local gems, but they also sell fresh crab legs, dry-aged meats, spices, great wines and more including a confectionary and fresh produce. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor tables to enjoy lunch items from curry rice to sushi and salads before you hit up the Calatrava.

I’m not proud to admit it, but I hit up Starbucks for breakfast way too often. The regular coffee is a no-brainer, but I am usually plagued with a bakery case conflict that causes me to crave a calorie-laden croissant (*unheated), when I know I should reach for a flax braid instead (also *unheated). I usually pass up both for the yogurt parfait. Anyway, I read today on The Stew that the ‘bucks is about to increase their breakfast items to include oatmeal with dried fruit, energy bars and whole-grain muffins. Is anyone else excited about this? Let’s just hope they’re not as dry as the egg sandwiches.
*One thing that drives me nuts about certain bread items at Starbucks is the staff’s incessant offering to heat up your bakery. Trust me, never accept this offer. You will burn your hands and the “heating proces” (I’m not sure if they’re nuking that crap or what) makes everything taste like a Hot Pocket. Without cheese. Keep it cold, yo.